In China, 1688 is recognized as the largest sourcing platform and one of the most commonly used wholesale websites by Chinese people. In the vast global business landscape, tapping the potential of platforms such as 1688 can significantly enhance your import business. As experienced international traders, we have an in-depth discussion on how to buy from 1688 without an agent.
1. Fact About 1688
(1) What is 1688
Before delving into the nature of procurement, it is necessary to understand the nature of 1688. 1688 is a subsidiary of Alibaba Group and offers a wide range of products at very competitive prices. All 1688 suppliers must hold a government-issued business license to sell products. Mainly for Chinese enterprises, involving B2B and B2C business. However, seizing the opportunity on 1688.com requires a nuanced understanding of its dynamics.
(2) Distinguish Between 1688 and Alibaba
1688 only provides a Chinese interface and only serves the Chinese market. And Alibaba is an international platform that can be read in many different languages. Currently supported languages are Spanish, German, French, Italian, Russian, Korean, Japanese, Thai, Turkish, Vietnamese, Portuguese, Arabic, Hindi, Indonesian, Dutch and Hebrew. What is worth celebrating is that 1688 will launch an overseas version in 2024 and begin trials in a few countries. This will make it more convenient for you to buy from 1688.
In these 25 years, we have not only helped many customers buy products from 1688 and Alibaba, but also often accompany customers to visit factories, Yiwu market, exhibitions, etc. If you have any related needs, please contact us!
(3) Advantages and Disadvantages of 1688
From an extensive catalog of Chinese products to the lure of direct interaction with manufacturers, the platform offers unmatched value to buyers. But language barriers, payment security issues, and complex returns logistics are all huge hurdles that require skillful navigation.
(4) Communicate with 1688 Suppliers
When looking for suppliers on 1688, you will find that most suppliers speak Chinese because 1688 is a platform for the Chinese market. If you want to find suitable suppliers on 1688, it is best to know some Chinese or ask a professional Chinese sourcing agent to help you communicate with suppliers.
2. Prerequisites for Successful Buy from 1688
(1) Familiarity with Chinese culture: A detailed understanding of the Chinese language and business etiquette is an invaluable asset, paving the way for fruitful transactions.
(2) Meticulous research capabilities: Careful review of product descriptions, supplier ratings, and merchandise sampling lays the foundation for making informed decisions.
(3) Investment of time and energy: Successfully buy products from 1688 requires an unwavering commitment to meticulous research, supplier communication, and logistical coordination.
(4) Resilience in the face of challenges: Anticipating and skillfully overcoming potential pitfalls such as language barriers and quality differences are keys to continued success.
Many suppliers will participate in the Canton Fair in April and October. If you visit China in person, you can communicate face-to-face with many suppliers and enhance your trust.
Of course, our company also participates in the Canton Fair every year, mainly dealing in daily necessities, and has gained many new customers. If you are interested, you can meet us at the Canton Fair or Yiwu. Get the latest quote now!
3. Purchase Process from 1688
Once you have a thorough understanding of the situation and possess the necessary attributes, you can embark on your 1688 purchasing journey. Let’s start exploring strategies.
(1) Direct Participation
Use platforms such as Aliwangwang or WeChat to establish direct contact with 1688 suppliers to achieve seamless communication.
Advantages: By bypassing the middleman, you unlock the potential for more competitive pricing and simplified negotiations.
Cons: Must have the patience and skill to overcome language barriers and payment options.
(2) Through Chinese Sourcing Agent
Hire a professional Chinese sourcing agent or 1688 agent to provide you with convenient service and simplify the purchasing process.
Advantages: Comprehensive support ensures a seamless import journey from procurement to shipping. Coupled with diversified payment methods, it enhances the purchasing experience.
Disadvantages: Some commissions are required, and large order discounts may present challenges for smaller buyers.
Here we recommend Sellers Union Group, a Chinese sourcing agent with 25 years of experience. They can help you handle all China import matters so that you have no worries. Get a reliable partner now!
4. Refine Your Search and Selections
With procurement channels established, focus turns to identifying reputable suppliers on 1688, a key prerequisite for successful transactions.
(1) Memberships: Drill down into membership tiers to uncover potential suppliers with insights on annual fees and industry-specific nuances.
(2) Factory Insight: Priority will be given to 1688 suppliers with comprehensive factory inspections. Put your procurement efforts into the realm of enhanced quality assurance.
(3) Scalability indicators: Carefully check the 1688 supplier's information and look for obvious signs of scalability. Such as staff size and scope of operations, thereby increasing confidence in long-term suppliers.
(4) Seller index review: Accurately analyze the seller index, go beyond superficial indicators, and gain an in-depth understanding of customer satisfaction and repeat customers.
(5) Ensuring quality and mitigating risks: As procurement efforts reach their peak in transactional activity, the responsibility shifts to ensuring quality and mitigating inherent risks.
5. Necessary Conditions for Quality Assurance
(1) Cost-effectiveness balance: avoid the temptation of the lowest price and instead pursue sustainable quality, thereby reducing the risk of inferior products.
(2) Sampling protocol: A comprehensive sampling protocol is required to ensure consistency between prototypes and final delivered products to prevent quality differences.
(3) Detailed specifications: Improve the clarity and accuracy of product specifications, strengthen your position in disputes and establish 1688 supplier responsibility.
(4) Strict quality control: Make pre-shipment inspection a non-negotiable quality assurance principle to prevent defective products and strengthen supplier responsibility.
(5) Prudent payment methods: Carefully explore payment methods and choose safe channels to prevent potential fraud and payment disputes.
END
In general, 1688 is a very good purchasing platform that provides customers with relatively low product prices. However, it is a big challenge for foreign suppliers who can only communicate in Chinese. You can hire a professional Chinese purchasing agent or a close friend to help you communicate with suppliers to complete the purchase. Get the best one-stop service!
Here are some benefits of our services:
·Help you get samples before final purchase
·Follow up production and inspect products before shipment
·Integrate products from different suppliers into one container
·You can put your label on the product if you need
·Provide foreign currency exchange services and arrange escorts for visits to China
·Help you negotiate prices with suppliers and enhance market competitiveness
·Handle shipping matters such as sea freight, air freight or express delivery for you in China, and process related documents
Post time: Mar-21-2024